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About Me

A professional Makeup Artist, a Style and Image Consultant, an Etiquette Trainer and a Fashion Educator... striving to get the best out of people who seek help and to make everyone look and feel their best!!

Friday, 30 August 2013

After yesterday's post on Edutainment for Kids (Best Disney Junior Shows for Toddlers), I felt that why should I leave moms? As in when kids are watching their favorite shows, what are we mums doing? I am sure most of you, if not finishing your household chores are getting connected on Social network and some of you must be playing games as well on Facebook!Who all do that? I am guilty of doing that...Let me tell you all about my favorite games, get hooked on if you feel like ;)1. Bingo BashSocial Bingo with various fun and adventurous rooms and power ups.

Thursday, 29 August 2013

Sometime or the other we have to introduce our toddlers to TV and what is better to have them watch something which is true Edutainment- that is education and entertainment together. Since, my Li'l Champ is fond of Disney Junior (Star Hub Channel 311 in Singapore), here is a list of some of the best Edutainment shows for toddlers-1. Mickey Mouse Club HouseThe cast include #MickeyMouse, #MiniMouse, #DonaldDuck, #DaisyDuck, #Goofy and #Pluto with guest appearance by some other characters. Each episode of the Show begins with a problem to be solved and the cast interacts with the viewers while solving it. Most of time there would be teachings like counting upto 10, shapes, matching objects. This is a great show for preschoolers and who doesn't love Mickey Mouse! Airs at following times in Singapore- 11.00 am and 7.00 pm.

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

After Disney Cars and Cars2, Disney is now off to capture the sky with the first part of Planes Trilogy. My Li'l Champ (2 years) is an ardent fan of Disney Cars, with all possible Cars merchandize with him. He is now waiting to go and watch Planes on "the big TV". To talk about the movie, this time, there is a chance to meet several very remarkable planes full of personality and enter their stories of friendship, courage and action as they take you around the world with a few laughs along the flight!

“Disney’s Planes” features Dusty, a good-natured, fast-flying crop duster who dreams of competing in the most exciting round-the-world air race in history. However there is just one big obstacle in his way – Dusty is afraid of heights!

Despite this huge problem, Dusty slowly but surely succeed with the help of his good friends. You will enjoy meeting the many characters of different nationalities, talents and temperaments as the air race kickstarts. Of course, success does not come without any hiccups, especially when the defending champion Ripslinger feels threatened by Dusty’s presence and will do anything to ensure Dusty fails.

Join Dusty as he pursues his dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer and begins a journey of his lifetime! Watch how his courage is put to the test as he reaches heights he never dreamed possible, inspiring a spellbound world to soar and reach for their dreams!

How many times it has happened that you really want to achieve something but due to some phobia or lack of confidence you feel that there is some major hurdle between you and your dream and most of the time you meet somebody who helps you overcome that hurdle and helps you to fulfil your dream. Let me share a similar story with you all..I was doing my Post Graduation from a prestigious college in University of Delhi, India. My dream was to become a teacher but the biggest problem was that I had no confidence for public speaking and if I wanted to be a teacher, I had to get over my fear and be confident enough to talk in front of people, but could never muster the courage to do that. The fear was so strong that I had to request my teachers to allow me not to do my presentations in front of class and also gave them an option to reduce my grades because I could not present my assignment. All this just because I could not talk in front of people. But thanks to my teachers, none of them took my advice and forced me to present in front of the whole group of students. so, I was like ok, I'll do it once and then they will know how bad I am in Public Speaking and will listen to my request next time. So, I went out for my first presentation with trembling feet and somehow the first words came out of my mouth and then there was no turning back... there I was talking fluently and when it got over, I could not believe that I have actually finished my presentation and was quite satisfied with it myself. When I could not believe in myself and my capabilities, there were my teachers who believed in me more than I could ever do. After completing my PG, I quickly got a job as an Assistant Professor for Undergraduate students and before moving out from India, I had a really successful teaching career. I could never thank my teachers enough to bring out the best in me and realizing my true potential when I was not sure of the same! Hats off to you teachers for helping me to come out of my fear and making me confident enough to fly high in the sky of my dreams!!The ContestNow coming to the 'Say it with Planes' Contest- if you would like to send a message to your loved one or your friend a personalized message in the sky... take a flight with the Planes crew and watch them in action here and also don't forget that the participants stand to win Planes movie passes & exclusive premiums.Catch “Disney’s Planes” in Singapore cinemas on 5th September 2013! For more updates, like the Official Walt Disney Studios Singapore Facebook Page, follow @disneystudiosSG and subscribe to the Official Disney Studios Singapore YouTube Channel!Do you have a story like me or like Dusty the Plane, to share with us? Do leave a comment...

Monday, 26 August 2013

With some time on my hand now, I am rediscovering my love for baking... so Sunday afternoons are meant only for baking. This Sunday, I added a twist to the usual chocolate and vanilla marbled cake by adding some banana, making it slightly more healthier for my Li'l Champ, who loooves cakes. And if you are wondering when will the recipe come, so I'll stop talking and take you to the recipe. Here it goes...

Friday, 23 August 2013

I can't tell you how excited I get when I receive one of the subscription boxes and cannot wait to open them and write about them. So, here I am talking about the August Glamabox. Let me show you what I got in the box...

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

It has been a while that I have been thinking about reviewing this lovely and loyal number, but something or the other comes up and this one takes a back seat. Finally, the day has come to talk about D&G The One.I have been using this one since 2008, when Mr. Scientist brought it for me from his visit to Beijing from DFS on the Beijing Airport and I have fallen in love with this from that time. Now, I am using my second pack.

Monday, 19 August 2013

After the American Beauty BellaBox in July (Read the Review here), in August it's the time to come home, back to Singapore and say "Hello Singapore", which is the theme for August BellaBox, Celebrating Singapore's 48th Birthday. The box cover was also inspired from Peranakan Design, which is defined as bright, bold and beautiful. I fell in love with the cover, which had my favorite Paisley motifs as well. Ok... enough of praises about the cover, I think I'll let you all see it for yourself...

Thursday, 15 August 2013

Hi Dearies,How do you like your perfume? Do you like something strong? or mild? fruity? or musky? Well each of us have a particular preference for fragrance. So let me talk about an interesting EDT by Blumarine- Bellissima Acqua di Primavera, which literally translates to green or spring. I received this 30ml bottle of perfume with my Vanity Trove (you may like to see the other products here)

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

I received this full sized sample of Cyber Colors Ex Volume Waterproof Mascara (black) from Vanity Trove. The product is Made in Japan. This is a waterproof formulation with a flexible wand that is great for curling. After staying in Japan for 10 months, I have developed a great liking for Japanese and Made In Japan products.

Monday, 12 August 2013

Hi Lovelies,With the new concept at Vanity Trove, where you get to choose the sample from the given list based on your beauty profile (To know more about how it works, read here), I ordered my second box and received it on the second day... that was quick, I must say!Let me show you what was in there...

This time I wanted to sample following products from the list provided, let me talk about them-

1. ENAVOSE Bundle Set- Alpine Edelweiss Foam Cleanser & Alpine Edelweiss Dew, 30ml each (Retail Price- Cleanser: S$ 39.50 for 120ml, Dew: S$45.00 for 120ml)- Enavose is a Swiss brand, which has products made from Natural extracts. The Edelweiss flower is known for its antioxidants, skin protection, soothing and bacteria-resistant properties. This comforting cleanser bathes skin in nourishing and age-delaying benefits. On trying, the product, I experienced a bit of dryness on my face, since I have combination skin with oily T-zone. May be the cleanser will work better for those with oily skin.

The Alpine Edelweiss Dew is a stimulating toner which revitalise, rehydrate and refresh the skin. Skin regains energy with high antioxidant protection and collagen synthesis support. A constant supply of moisture is channelled to dry areas of skin for optimal suppleness. The toner is a slightly viscous liquid with a pleasant fragrance. On application, you feel instant freshness and it definitely felt better on applying the Dew after the Cleanser, but there is still a need to use moisturizer. The products can be purchased at Suntec Enavose Concept Store, Suntec City Tower 3, #02-079/081 and Tangs Vivocity Enavose Beauty Counter, Level One Beauty Hall. Value of Sample- Cleanser: S$9.87, Dew: S$11.25.

2. CYBER COLOURS Ex Volume Waterproof Mascara

This was a full sized sample worth almost S$34.00. Will review this product in a separate post.

3. DrGL Collagen Essence, 10ml (Retail Price- S$198.00 for 30ml)- This is a light weight essence suitable for all skin types. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which can retain upto 1000 times its weight of water. On application, it did feel moisturized and the skin felt hydrated and refreshed. Seems to be an effective product, will have to use it for a while to know exactly how it works. Value of sample- S$66.

4. Blumarine Bellissima Acqua di Primavera, 30ml (Retail Price- S$51.00)- This was another full sized sample and I will review it in another post.

5. Pearl Beauty Youth Restore with Black Pearl Essence, 3ml (Retail Price- S$21.90 for 30ml)- Pearl Beauty is low cost but effective skincare range from WATSONS. This essence is formulated for Advanced skin restoration. It restructures your skin, repairs free radical damage and slows down skin aging, all while firming and smoothing out fine lines. The essence has a light texture and is quickly absorbed leaving the skin feel refreshed and hydrated. An interesting product yet again, need to try it on for a while. Value of sample- S$2.20.

8. Huiji Fruity Lite, 15g X2 Sachets (Retail Price- S$6.90 for box of 12 packets)- This was the surprise product. Huiji Fruity Lite are made from all natural ingredients like high-grade hawthorn fruit and honey. In addition, it also contains added vitamin C and xylitol and helps cleanse and promote a healthy digestive system. It is conveniently packaged in easy-to-carry sachets. The taste was like fruit tea and it tasted better when chilled. It can be consumed everyday even if it may not show any health benefits, it's a nice tasty beverage. Value of sample- S$1.15.

So, this was all about the products in Vanity Trove. I could order for a good mix of products including skin care, make up, shower, fragrance and received the fruity tea as well.

This concept of selecting what you want is no doubt quite interesting as you can pick and choose from a list of products that you would really like and have a variety of products to try but on the down side-1. The surprize element is missing. Though you get one product as a surprise but then also, I feel if you are a bit hesitant about new products or select your products based on their name and appearance, you may like to skip quite a few of the products in the list given for selection.2. While when the products were selected by the team and given to you, one has more chances of getting a completely new product and since you have it, you might as well like to try it, so it opens up more product options for you and reduce the element of bias that may creep in when you are selecting.3. To unlock new samples, you constantly have to like and put products into your wishlist and that is fun but after a while, it does not feel that exciting. And it kind of takes away the fun of somebody else selecting things for you and pampering you.4. Also, the luxe brands are more often than not missing from the selection.5. Chances of receiving a full-size sample are not so good.So, if I give 10 on 10 for the previous concept of Vanity Trove, for this I would give 8 on 10.

If you would like to receive your Personalised Vanity Trove, go for a Vanity Trove subscription at Vanity Trove for just S$25 a month. You may also like register with Vanity Trove, fill your beauty profile, and interact with others and see what they love and are using. The platform is like a facebook for beauty. You may also like to follow me here to know about my favorite products, my wishlist and also product reviews... See you there!

Thursday, 8 August 2013

Finally, the day has come for the Giveaway to celebrate two years of Motherhood! Wishing my li'l Champ a very Happy Second Birthday and many more to come!Let me unveil the giveaway items...

All you have to do is to like the post on Facebook page and share it. Also leave a comment as to which set you would like to receive. Results will be declared after 20th August. Enter using the Rafflecopter below... Till then keep the Likes and Shares coming!

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Can't believe that it is two years now already! On this day, two years ago, I was awaiting the birth of our first child and fervently praying for it to be a girl (We were in India and there you do not get to know the gender of the child before it is born and hence there is always an element of surprise for you!). This is what happened two years ago...We had to opt for elective cesarean due to certain medical conditions. But, my Gynae was determined not to proceed with cesarean before trying to induce labour and I also wanted to go for natural birth as far as possible and cesarean was kept as a last resort. So we decided to get admitted on 7th and then they will try to induce labour with the help of certain drugs and medical procedures and if they don't succeed, we will go ahead with cesarean on 8th. So, on 7th afternoon, I went to hospital with Mr. Scientist and my mum and once there, all the procedure for induction started and went on for whole night but to no avail.A lot of thoughts were in my mind-

First was that this would be my last day of being free and carefree and after this day I will have responsibility of one more person on me.

Then, like most of the first time mums, I was wondering whether I will be able to fulfil my responsibilities as mother and Will I be a good Mom??

Another worry for me was that we had to relocate to Japan in October and after living luxurious life in India with variety of helpers all around you and then moving to Japan, where it is not possible to get a helper; how will I ever manage my house as well as my new baby.

Also, the suspense of boy or a girl was getting unbearable.

The whole night I spent talking and discussing with my husband and my mom about my various concerns and also remembering and laughing about my childhood. That night sure was fun!

What happened next morning is a well documented fact- My son, my Little Champ was born by Cesarean and all went on well, though I still miss having a daughter (Since I grew up mainly with boys, I wanted to have a female companion and who can be better than a daughter. Also, being a fashion designer, I always dreamt of dressing up my daughter and designing for her, but those were and will remain dreams) but nothing can beat the fun that I am having with another boy in our house, my Little Champ!

How were your last few days of being pregnant? Were you anxious? What were the thoughts running in your mind? Do leave a comment and share with us.

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

This was an embroidery done on neckline of a kurta (Indian Tunic), which I did for one of my friends. This was again inspired by embroidery of Gujarat. I like this embroidery because of the riot of colours that can be included in the work. So, most of my pieces are influenced by it. You may like to read more on Gujarat Embroidery here.

The stitches used for this work are Open and Closed Herringbone stitch, Chain stitch, Running stitch, Buttonhole stitch and Sequin work.

Hope you like this embroidered neckline... do leave a comment to let me know!Connect on Facebook

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Hi Dearies,Let me now tell you about the next step to increase your chances to win the giveaway.Check out the Step 1 here

Step 2Like and Share Mom-the Diva's post from the facebook page. Make them go as viral as possible. Five most active fans (who like and share most posts) will get their names included in the giveaway list three times, that is you will have three times more chances of winning than others...So, go ahead... like and share and be social...